Winters’ Day In
Conversations on life, faith, stories, and creativity from author Talena Winters.
Pour a cuppa and stay awhile.
Of Beauties and Beasts
My obsession with the Tale as Old as Time in all its iterations, and why I believe it resonates with us so deeply.
Life Lessons from a Late-Undiagnosed ADHD-er
I’m still new on the journey of learning about my ADHD, but I’ve been learning about how to deal with it for a long time—and these are a few things I’d love my kids, or anyone else learning to deal with executive disfunction (or even just life), to learn earlier rather than later.
The Good, the Bad, and the Wicked
In which I explore the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (both the book, the Wicked musical, and the history of this story), and what Elphaba and Batman have in common.
Aspirational Paradox
Kent M. Keith’s “Paradoxical Commandments” really hit home today. Quick read, but a powerful one.
You do you, boo.
Everyone needs something they do that feeds their soul without worrying if it’s “good enough.” And if the trolls don’t approve, just remember—they’re the ones who are missing out. Keep doing the thing. Keep making the art. Keep playing and being creative and having fun. Ditch the perfection and hold onto the joy for dear life. That’s what creativity is for.
Nurturing the Garden of My Soul
A self-reflective post about how far I’ve come and yet to go through the lens of my Enneagram Three-ness, and immediate plans for this blog.
Finding My Voice in the AI Wars
I’m tired of letting the bullies win. So this is my big third-act speech. (That I hope is actually in the first act.)
The Gifts of a Difficult Season
Reflecting on a life-changing year for me and the gifts it’s given me to take into 2024.
Impostor Syndrome, P.T. Barnum & the Enneagram
My latest bout with Impostor Syndrome led to some interesting discoveries about how Impostor Syndrome and Enneagram Type might work together.
Please, Get Uncomfortable
Christians tend to grab a flag—and a sword and pitchfork—whenever we perceive that our “rights” or our “faith” are being threatened. But as the standard-bearers of Christ, are we really crusading for what we think we are?
Making Love Work
My 7 “No-Duh” tips for creating a happy, healthy relationship with your partner.
Why God Didn't Stop the Shooting
So often in the aftermath of tragedy, Christians who have been raised to think of God as their protection charm turn away, and atheists mock the impotence of the God we declare to be firmly in control. But is it possible we have God—and his view of human tragedy—all wrong?
Dear Lady Behind Me at Starbucks
I see you there, with your screwed-up face and your well-coiffed hair and your impatient gesture each time someone in the line in front of you dares to order one more thing. I was much like you for many years, and once in a while, I see your eyes looking back at mine from the mirror. May I remember that Kindness is Never Wasted. I hope you learn this, too, my Lady.
The Uncomfortable Truth
Are we in control of our destiny? Or is God? And who is to blame when things go wrong?